by Scott Post, PE
When I graduated from Calvin with a degree in civil engineering more than 30 years ago, I knew I wanted to design projects that helped people move safely and comfortably through their communities. Over the decades, that calling has taken me from sidewalks in small towns to multi-county trail networks that stretch for miles across Michigan. I’ve always had a passion for non-motorized transportation and outdoor recreation, and I consider it a privilege to plan and design the construction of trails that connect people to nature and to one another.
Early in my career, I had the chance to meet Fred Meijer, who was well known for his philanthropy and his commitment to building bicycle paths across West Michigan. When he learned that I design trails, he baitingly asked, “Why do we need an engineer to design bike paths?” I gave him the standard answers about drainage, easements, retaining walls, and construction oversight. He smiled knowingly, because he already understood. But his question stuck with me. Why should a community invest in professional design and oversight for something that looks so simple on the surface?
Years ago, a township asked the same question. They decided to save money by having a developer build a trail without independent design or engineering oversight. At first, the project seemed like a success. But it didn’t take long before cracks spread across the surface, weeds and roots pushed through the pavement, and poor drainage left sections washed out. Corners were too sharp, slopes were uneven, gravel wasn’t compacted properly, and the asphalt was laid in a single layer instead of two. By the time I was called back (first to design an extension, and then to evaluate the original section) the township admitted their cost-saving approach had backfired. The fixes would cost far more than they had saved.
By contrast, the extension we designed and observed was built to last. Two layers of asphalt, carefully compacted gravel, thoughtful drainage systems, and attention to details like curve radii and accessible slopes resulted in a smoother, stronger trail. Today, it only needs routine maintenance, and the township has confidence it will serve their community for decades. This experience wasn’t unique. After three decades and several hundred miles of trails, I’ve seen time and again that investing in good engineering at the start saves communities significant time and money and prevents future frustration.
What has changed over the years is the role trails play in our communities. When I first started designing them, they were often viewed primarily as recreational amenities. Today, they are recognized as essential infrastructure. Trails connect neighborhoods, provide safe routes for students walking or biking to school, support local businesses by attracting visitors, and contribute to public health by encouraging active lifestyles. They are also increasingly designed with universal accessibility in mind, making sure that people of all ages and abilities can use them comfortably. Sustainability has become another focus, with green infrastructure to manage stormwater, materials that balance cost and durability, and layouts that respect natural landscapes.
I’ve also witnessed the growing importance of funding partnerships. Projects often succeed because communities pursue grants from MDOT, MDNR, and other agencies, and because engineers can help guide that funding process. A well-designed trail not only makes the best use of funding but also strengthens a community’s case for future support. Each project becomes a building block in a larger network of connected paths across Michigan, a system that links people not only to destinations but to each other.
Now, when someone asks me Fred Meijer’s question, I have more than the “engineer’s answer.” I have decades of stories of lessons learned, trails built to endure, and communities that continue to benefit from investing in doing it right the first time. Good engineering may not always be the cheapest option at the outset, but it’s the choice that pays back in well-being for everyone who steps, rides, or rolls along the path.
